Universal Studios tickets jump to $115 as Harry Potter opening nears

Candlesticks float and hover above the riders aboard Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey in the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood. The attraction opens to the general public April 7. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Three weeks before the opening of its new Harry Potter attraction, Universal Studios Hollywood has quietly raised daily ticket prices by up to 20%.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter -- a land that includes two new rides, one restaurant, a food cart and eight shops -- is expected to be the most popular attraction when it opens to the general public April 7.

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The prices of daily tickets sold at the front gate jumped over the weekend to $115 from $95, according to the theme park's website.

Because the park anticipates a huge turnout for the new attraction, Universal Studios last month adopted a "demand pricing" policy that offers a discount for visitors who buy tickets online for off-peak days, such as Wednesdays in September.

But even the discount price has been increased, to $90 from $75. Prices for high-demand days rose to $115 from $95. The park offers two other ticket prices, $95 and $100, based on how crowded the park is expected to be.

A color-coded calendar that shows the prices for each day is shown on the park's website.

Universal Studios is not alone is hiking prices. Walt Disney Co. last month adopted a new pricing policy that sets ticket prices based on the popularity of the park on that day.

Before the change, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure had been charging $99 for a one-day ticket. Under the new policy, each day on the calendar will be designated a "value" day, a "regular" day or a "peak" day. The new price is $95 for a value day, $105 for a regular day and $119 for a peak day.

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